Ritual of the Ancestor Moth

For other uses, see Ancestor Moth.

An Ancestor Glade located in Skyrim.

The Ritual of the Ancestor Moth is a ritual performed by Moth Priests in order to read an Elder Scroll. The ritual usually takes place within one of the many secluded Ancestor Glades scattered across Tamriel.

Preparation

The ritual involves carefully removing the bark of a canticle tree with a traditional tool called a draw knife which in turn attracts the Ancestor Moth. Once enough moths are in the vicinity, they grant the reader with the second sight needed to decipher the scroll.

Second sight

The voice of the Ancestor Moth has always been an integral part of reading an Elder Scroll. They maintain a connection to the ancient magic that allows a Moth Priest to decipher them. Moths within an Ancestor Glade emanate a soft harmonious trilling that when amplified tap into a form of an augur. This allows the moths themselves to become a conduit for deciphering the Scrolls. By having the moths close to the Moth Priest, they can utilize the conduit and share the moth's augury.

Every Moth Priest is taught this ritual, but only the most resilient can read the Scrolls in this manner as it takes years of practice to interpret the harmony. As such, few ever get the chance to perform it. At the same time, however, those who have had contact with more than one Scroll are deemed capable of harnessing the ritual, since it means the Scrolls themselves permit the person to read them, with the same risks applied.

Appearances

• The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard